CAPES: Computer Aided Paperless Examination System. Part I. Theoretical basis

Abstract

A guided evolution of CAPES, the Computer Aided Paperless Examination System, is proposed in three generic steps - Simplicial Examination, Adaptive Examination and Intelligent Examination. Based on Optical memory technology, especially CDROM, voluminous optically - designed question banks of multiple choice questions and answers can be stored. With the availability of a versatile computer - communication network, examination can be conducted in a space and time independent manner for a large number of examinees while obviating the need for manpower intensive supervision and security during the conduct of the examination. With stratified random generation of the set of questions for each examinee, the methods of matching the difficulty levels for all examinees are developed along with methods for minimaization of biases, item selection, credit scoring, etc. Modifications in the application of the Item Response Theory and the Rasch Measurements Models are suggested for the three generic steps in the evolution of CAPES.